New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 453 The Proposal

It had been a long day for everyone. Matthew decided enough was enough and waved goodbye to Claire and Adrian, heading home for some much-needed rest. Claire, however, remained at Cryptonic, not working but stewing over everything that had unfolded. Her mind buzzed like an angry hive of bees. Adrian noticed her sitting on the couch, arms crossed, eyes darting back and forth as if trying to crack an invisible code. He sighed and plopped down beside her, leaning back casually.

"Claire, you've got to let it go. Rest," Adrian said softly, nudging her arm with his elbow.

Claire shook her head, looking at him like he'd just suggested she run a marathon in heels. "I can't, Adrian. If I let my guard down even for a second, Eligos will twist this whole situation into something worse. He always finds a way."

Adrian frowned, watching her fingers twist a strand of hair absentmindedly. He reached over, gently taking her hand, his thumb brushing over her knuckles.

"Claire," he said, voice low and serious, "I need to talk to you about something. I was going to say this before you stormed off from the party."

Claire blinked, caught off guard by the sudden shift in his tone. "What is it?"

Adrian pulled a small velvet box from his pocket. Amazingly, it was still intact despite all the chaos they'd gone through earlier. Claire's heart skipped a beat as he flipped it open, revealing a stunning diamond ring that sparkled even in the dim office lighting.

"I want you to be mine," Adrian said simply, his eyes locked onto hers.

Claire froze, her breath hitching. For a moment, all she could do was stare at the ring, her wide eyes reflecting the glimmer of the diamond.

"Adrian," she whispered, pulling her hand away and standing up so fast she almost tripped on the coffee table.

Adrian followed suit, frowning slightly as he stepped closer. "Claire, I'm serious. I love you. I've never been more sure of anything in my life."

She shook her head, taking a step back. "You don't understand. If we do this if I say yes you could get hurt. Eligos isn't someone you can just ignore. He'll come after you, Adrian."

"I'm already in this, Claire," Adrian said firmly. "I've been hurt before, and I'm still here, aren't I? We're already together. What's the difference if we take this step?"

"The difference is...it's serious. It's permanent," Claire said, her voice cracking slightly. "What if I can't protect you? What if you end up regretting this?"

safe house? You promised me you'd stop

her to push Adrian

me an answer right now. I just needed to tell

her hand and slid the ring onto her finger. It fit perfectly, like it had been waiting

wait for you," Adrian said, lifting her hand to his lips and pressing a soft kiss

smile, he turned and walked out of the office, leaving Claire standing

each beat echoing in her ears. She glanced down at

feeling heavier than it should. She was shocked, yes, but there was also a warmth blooming in her chest-a

to her. And she didn't know what to

passed, but Claire couldn't shake the moment from her mind. She paced back and forth in her office, mattering to herself like a

seemed to

her

the walls as she tried to make sense of

is he thinking? Does he even realize what he's getting into?" she said aloud,

her fingers through her

darted to the small

hesitant fingers, she opened it once

make it so...so perfect?" she muttered, the sparkle of the ring burned into her memory like a mocking reminder of her indecision. The sound of a knock on the door jolted her out of her spiral. Startled, she blinked and turned toward the noise, clearing her throat as

voice steady but tinged

slightly, and Matthew peeked his head in. He glanced around the room before stepping inside, looking a bit sheepish. "Hey. Sorry to barge in. I think I left

intrusion. "Your laptop?"

said, scanning the room. His gaze landed on the device sitting on the corner of her desk,

of leaving, Matthew lingered, studying her with a curious expression. "You okay?

concern. Her shoulders slumped

eyebrows shooting up so fast they nearly disappeared into his hairline. "Wait, what? Like proposed proposed? With a ring and

Claire said, her tone flat as she reached for the velvet box. She opened it and held it out for him